Sabu Nubra Exploring Flamboyant India

If you are looking for a relatively short, moderately difficult, and utterly beautiful trek, then this is the one for you!. It is well- known as the "ancient silk route" for camel traders, bringing their wares from Central Asia through the Himalayas into northern India. Although traders are a thing of the past, they left an indelible mark on the Valley in the form of the present herd of bactrian camels, descendents of the original beasts of burden. The beauty of the trek is surpassed only by the final day- a spectacular bus or jeep ride over the highest motorable road in the world 5606 m.

Tour Information
Season	: May to October
Total Duration	: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Trekking days	: 05 Days
Total trekking hours	: 25 hrs Approx.
Special Features	: Ancient silk route
Trek Grade	: Moderate
Max Alt.	: 5300 m

The Journey begins Now!!!

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

You arrive in Delhi by International flight. After a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at the airport and to our hotel for check-in. After some rest, breakfast at coffee shop in the Hotel. After breakfast we will go on a guided tour of Delhi at 1100 hrs., beginning with a morning sightseeing trip to Old Delhi and followed by visits to the 1648 Red Fort, India's largest mosque - Jama Masjid and Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat. Afternoon tour includes visits to India Gate & President's House. Later on time we drive back to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: Delhi - Leh ( BY 9W-609) Dep: 0645hrs / Arr: 0800hrs

Early morning transfer to Domestic Airport to connect the flight for Leh. Upon arrival at Leh Airport our representative would assist you at the Airport and transfer to Hotel. Check in to the hotel. Post breakfast rest of the day for rest for acclimatization. Later in the afternoon a walk around Leh town (3500mtr) includes a visit to Leh Market, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa & Leh Gompa - This walk shall help us in a getting acclimatized at this height. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03: Leh - Sabu (by jeep) - Pulu Digar 4400 m (6 hrs)

We will leave Leh in the morning by jeep to the beautiful village of Sabu, where we will begin our trek by crossing a bridge. Further along the trail amidst grass and meadows, we will find herd of yaks and Dzos (crossbreed of yak and cow). We will ascend gradually towards our campsite while enjoying the incredible view of snowcapped Stok Kangri to the south. This is fairly strenuous day.

Day 04: Pulu Digar- Chumik Tangmo (5-6 hrs)

After a hearty breakfast we will proceed towards the Digar la 5300 m. The ascent to the top of the pass is fairly steep. Your hard work will be well rewarded by the stunning views you will witness at the top of the Digar La - Karakoram Range to the north and Stok range to the south. We will hang prayer flags among the existing ones at the top of the pass. It is widely believed among Buddhists that raising a prayer flag atop the pass brings good luck for the journey. In the past days, it was a common practice for the traders on the silk route to have safe journey and flourishing business. From the pass, it is an easy walk down to the camp, a very pleasant river- side spot.

Day 05: Chumik Tangmo- Hotong (4-5 hrs)

Today's trek will be full of adventure. Shortly after our morning start we will reach the picturesque village of Digar, and then continue a long hot, dusty trail through the desert until we reach a spectacular sand dune - you will have to see it to believe it! We will then continue through a swampy area to our third night's spot, a beautiful area set amongst a grove of trees.

Day 06: Hotong- Rongjuk (4-5 hrs)

Today again leaving in the morning hours we will continue our trek in the desert along left side of the Shayok River. The trail ahead is hot and dusty, so in order to prevent dehydration, we need to have plenty of water. After a tiring hot day, we will end the day at the river- side village of Rongjuk. You must not miss this chance to dip in the cold river to cool down.

Day 07: Rongjuk- Khalsar (1-2 hrs)

Our last day of trekking is an easy one. We will walk only one 1-2 hrs. to our destination Khalsar, a military town in Nubra. From here you will have the opportunity to leave the group and spend some time on your own exploring further into the famous Nubra Valley, or going with the group by bus or jeep over the Khardung La 5606 m. to Leh.

Day 08: Leh Sightseeing

Today we proceed for Indus Valley monastery tour. We start with a visit to Shey, the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni with a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue. Then we visit Thiksey Gompa, an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future. Drive further to visit the famous Hemis Gompa, founded in 1630's by Stag-tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Sengge Namgyall. Hemis is one of the largest and richest gompas of Ladakh. The two-day festival of monastic dance in June-July has raised the reputation of Hemis particularly high. The festival is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as second Buddha and responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Tibetan world. Later we visit the Stok Palace, the Royal residence of the King of Stok & the Museum that has a rich collection of Ancient Ladakhi artefacts including old Thangkas, precious stones, arms and armoury, the Queen's necklace and the crown of the King of Ladakh among others. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.

Day 09: Leh - Delhi (By 9W610) Dep: 0840hrs / Arr: 0955hrs

Transfer to the Airport to catch the flight for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi we assist you to check in at our Hotel. Later in the afternoon we depart for Delhi sightseeing that includes Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple and Qutub Minar. Later we drive back to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10: Delhi - Agra - Delhi (220 Kms. - 04hrs - One way) - Optional Tour

After an early breakfast, we drive at 0730 hrs to Agra, the erstwhile capital of India under the great Mughals and known for The Taj Mahal It has always fascinated Indians and foreigners alike. On the way we visit Sikandra (Tomb of Emperor Akbar). At Agra after lunch (own lunch) We visit the incredible architectural excellence of Taj Mahal, built by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Next we visit Agra Fort - Built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandsons. This massive fort is 2.5 kms long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red fort. After Visiting the fort we drive back to Delhi at 1700 hrs. Upon arrival in Delhi. Finally we will have farewell dinner and later we transfer you to the International airport.

Day 11: Depart Delhi

Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to the International airport for your onward travel to your next destination.